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The 2013 NHL Entry Draft in New Jersey is less than three weeks away and the anticipation and excitement from fans and teams all around the league is growing by the day.
I recently wrote a piece on some potential targets with the 9th overall pick. In this piece I look at some players the New Jersey Devils could possibly get their hands on with the 39th overall pick.
LW Emile Poirier (Gatineau - QMJHL)
The Devils hosted Poirier at their private combine about a week ago. Poirier is a 6'1" power forward who can fill the net on a regular basis. He's strong on the puck, isn't afraid to mix it up physically and drops the mitts from time to time. Poirier is a bit of a project but he'd be a good value pick at the 39 spot.
RW Zach Nastasiuk (Owen Sound - OHL)
Nastasiuk is one of the better two-way players in this year's draft class. He'll do whatever it takes to win and leaves it all on the ice every night. He's an exceptional penalty killer who is always in position. Nastasiuk will block shots, finish checks and overall is just a tough player to play against. His offensive game is getting better and better, and depending on who you talk to, some think he could be a top-6 winger capable of playing on the power play and penalty kill.
C/RW Jacob de la Rose (Leksands - SEL)
de la Rose made this list because he's Swedish, and we all know Lou Lamoriello loves Swedish players. I kid. Sort of. de la Rose is a good two-way player who's an excellent skater. He has some explosiveness to his stride and can reach his top speed in a hurry. de la Rose is a smart player who is capable of taking on defensive responsibilities and playing on the penalty kill. He wasn't used in many offensive situations in Sweden so there's some question as to how much offensive potential he has. de la Rose was pointless in six games for Sweden at the World Juniors but did show some flashes.
D Jordan Subban (Belleville - OHL)
Subban is a little undersized, but he reminds me a lot of his Norris Trophy winning brother, PK. Subban is a smooth skating puck-moving defenseman who can put up a lot of points on the back end. Subban can quarterback a power play, rush the puck and is a very passionate player. As I said, he's a little undersized but he's not afraid to be physical, even with players much bigger than he is, and he'll drop the mitts on occasion, as well. He has a lot of heart and never gives up on a play. Like PK, he likes to go for big open ice hits from time to time, but he connects regularly. Jordan has outstanding hands and is a shootout specialist.
The Devils don't need any more high end defense prospects, but if Subban is available when the Devils pick 39th, I wouldn't be opposed to taking him. His upside is through the roof.
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In case you missed it,
my story on the plethora of unsigned players on the Devils.
I posted a scouting report on draft eligible forward, Zach Nastasiuk, at TheHockeyGuys..
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